An electronic load is a useful device to have - with it you can draw fixed amount of current through a circuit, an ideal method for testing the limits of various devices such as power supplies and other items under question. Making your own is a good way to save money, and engineer Jasper Sikken has documented a version that also can control power and resistance.
Based around a small Arduino compatible, the rest of the circuit is assembled on a custom PCB, however Jasper has provided the design files, BOM and sketch so you can recreate your own version. The user interface is via the Arduino serial monitor - however with a little work you could add your own LCD and control devices.
Another great example of what can be done with an Arduino, so visit Jasper's interesting website to get started. And for more, we're on facebook, Google+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.
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Apart from being one of the smallest Arduino-compatibles on the market with USB, it also has an onboard RGB LED and piezo which can be used a knock sensor and various tune and sound effects. Plus you can add extra circuitry with the matching protostick! For more information and to order, click here.
